Plumbing discussions and local services.
marleyactivist
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Keeping water out of the basement: what’s actually worked for you?
Honestly, I’m with you on the downspout extensions not being a cure-all. I tried the cheap plastic ones and they just flopped around or got crushed by the mower. Ended up spending more time fixing them than they were wor...
RE: Turning sunlight into hot showers: best kits or hacks?
I hear you on the copper vs. PEX debate - my wallet definitely prefers PEX. I’m curious though, has anyone tried those cheaper DIY solar water heater kits with mostly plastic lines? Wondering if they’re worth it or just ...
RE: Half flush never seems to work right - am I missing something?
Messing with the float height isn’t as scary as it sounds, honestly. I had the same issue - half flush barely did anything. Gave the float a little tweak (turned the screw maybe half a turn), and it actually helped. Just...
RE: When your bathroom sink ends up off-center
I hear you on the self-leveler cost - last time I did a small bathroom, it felt like I was pouring liquid gold under the tiles. Still, I’ve had shims shift over time, especially in older houses where nothing is square. A...
RE: How much would you pay to fix water damage from a burst pipe?
That’s a smart move. I looked into those smart valves too, but the install price gave me pause. Still, considering what it costs to fix drywall, floors, and whatever else gets soaked, it might be worth it. We had a tiny ...
RE: Handy shortcuts for finding plumbing info quick
Had the same issue with an old toilet last year. Reverse image search was useless - kept pulling up random stuff from overseas that looked nothing like what I had. Ended up finding a tiny stamp under the tank lid, just a...
RE: When is it time to swap out old pipes?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve been patching up leaks in my own place for a couple years now, and honestly, it’s starting to feel like throwing money down the drain. The patches never seem to last, and the wa...
RE: Choosing between in-kitchen and underground grease traps - what would you do?
Honestly, the smell is what kills it for me with in-kitchen traps. I tried to save money by going that route, but after a few months, I was lighting candles every time I cooked. Not worth it. Underground’s more expensive...
RE: Under sink vs. countertop filters: which is less hassle to install?
Had the same issue with an under-sink install in my old place - one stubborn valve and suddenly I’m knee-deep in a mess. Countertop filters aren’t pretty, but they’re way less risky for my wallet and sanity. I’ll take th...
RE: Quick fixes for surprise water disasters - does pipe tape actually work?
Yeah, learned that one the hard way with a kitchen faucet leak. Tried to save a few bucks with pipe tape - didn’t hold up for long. Ended up swapping the whole connector. Sometimes there’s just no shortcut, even if you w...
RE: green plumbing showdown: greywater recycling vs rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting’s been way easier for me than messing with greywater. I just put screens on the tank inlets to keep out leaves and bugs, and I haven’t had any mosquito issues. Cleaning’s not a huge deal - maybe once...
RE: why is documenting plumbing connections such a nightmare?
I get what you mean about digital being easier. I’ve tried both, and honestly, keeping track of photos in my phone is still kind of a pain. Maybe I’m just old school, but sometimes I just want to see a tag right there o...
RE: Water pressure woes - anyone else dealt with this?
Had a similar headache last year - pressure would spike outta nowhere, and the pipes sounded like they were throwing a tantrum. Turned out my regulator was ancient and full of crud. Swapped it myself (YouTube is a lifesa...
RE: anyone tried sustainable plumbing upgrades at home?
Aerators were an easy win for me too - cheap, quick, and no noticeable drop in pressure. Dual-flush kits though...ugh. I installed one thinking it'd be a simple afternoon project, but it turned into a weekend saga. The i...